THE GREAT DROUGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 510, 25 August 1902, Page 2

THE GREAT DROUGHT.

RAIN INSUFFICIENT. ALARM AS TO SYDNEY WATER SUPPLY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydnoy, Aug. 23. Despite tho rain, which, excepting in the scattered areas, is far short of requirements, tho outlook is exceedingly gloomy and worse times, with a groat shortago of stock, aro predicted on all hands. As a sample of tho hardships of stock owners, one station alone has spoilt fifty thousand pounds in the last throo months to kocp sheep alive. Tho importation of fodder into Now South Wales, not including vast quantities which catno direct over tho border from Victoria and South Australia, sinco tho commencement of tho year is valuod at over ono million, and lately it has boon at tho rato of £50,000 a week. Tho Sydnoy water supply is a question that is daily bocoming moro dcutc. Tho authorities aro adopting moro stringout measures to cut down tho consumption. Tho Federal Government having refused to suspend tho fodder duties, tho other Stato Premiers not being favorablo to suspension, tho Premier states ho is opposed to tho New South Walos Government accepting responsibility. Ho, howovor, offers his sorvicos as hoad of tho Government and an experioncod commercial man to pastoralists and will purchaso for them in tho best markets, and charter stoamors for the carriago of all fodder roquirod, without charging any commission. Ho states tho offer means that stock-owners will got foddor practically at cost prico. lie estimates that at loast £IOO,OOO worth of foddor is required weokly. A movoraent in favor of tho suspension of duties or concessions to assist tho import of fodder is again being vigorously demanded in all parts of the Stato. Forth, Aug. 23. Eastern farming districts aro suffering from a sovero drought, and lato crops aro ruined.